It's pothole season in the Rockford area and all throughout the state--and Illinois motorists really don't like it one bit.

Gosh, I wonder why that might be.

It might have something to do with the American Society of Engineers (ASCE). In their infrastructure report card, ASCE states that Illinois motorists are paying a combined $4.8 billion a year or $566 per motorist in vehicle repairs due to poor road conditions.

Illinois roadways received a “D” or Poor rating from the American Society of Engineers (ASCE).

As spring begins in Illinois, so does “pothole season” begins for many drivers. Potholes cost drivers in the U.S. $3 billion annually.

Over 60 percent of Illinoisans believe current transportation funding IS NOT adequate to maintain roadways in their current condition, according to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse™ study. Nearly three quarters of Illinois residents rate the quality of roads and bridges in the state as Fair (47 percent) or Poor (26 percent). Although the majority of Illinoisans don't think funding is adequate, when asked how to increase funding dollars for transportation, no clear consensus emerged.

“Funding for roadways is nearing a crisis,” said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA supports raising the federal fuel tax, as it is the most viable short-term solution, provided the funds are invested in transportation improvements that increase safety and decrease congestion. AAA supports the continued evaluation of alternative long-term funding solutions by federal and state policymakers, including tolling and road usage charges.”

 

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